Iran Agrees to Zero Nuclear Stockpiles in Peace Breakthrough

A diplomatic achievement decades in the making just became real: Iran has agreed to never stockpile nuclear material that could create weapons.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi announced the breakthrough Friday after brokering indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva. He called it the most important development in nuclear negotiations history.

"If the ultimate objective is to ensure forever that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, I think we have cracked that problem," Al Busaidi told CBS News. The agreement means Iran will maintain zero stockpiles of enriched uranium, making bomb production impossible.

The deal goes beyond previous agreements. Iran will reduce its current nuclear materials to the lowest levels possible and convert them into irreversible fuel. The International Atomic Energy Agency will provide full verification and oversight.

"This is something completely new," Al Busaidi explained. "If you cannot stockpile material that is enriched, then there is no way that you can actually create a bomb."

The foreign minister believes all remaining issues can be resolved within months. Iran has also signaled openness to discussing its missile program, another key concern for negotiators.

The Ripple Effect

This breakthrough could reshape Middle Eastern stability after years of escalating tensions. Oman successfully mediated three rounds of talks, proving that patient diplomacy can solve seemingly impossible conflicts.

The agreement addresses the core fear that has driven decades of hostility: the possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons. By eliminating stockpiles entirely rather than just limiting them, negotiators found a solution that previous frameworks missed.

While details remain to be finalized, the foundation for lasting peace now exists. US and Iranian representatives will meet again Monday in Vienna to continue negotiations.

President Trump acknowledged Friday he prefers diplomacy over military action, though talks haven't proceeded as quickly as he hoped. His administration continues engaging despite expressing impatience with the pace.

Al Busaidi remains optimistic that recent progress will prevent military escalation. "A peace deal is within our reach if we just allow diplomacy the space it needs to get there," he said.

The next meetings in Vienna will focus on implementing verification measures and finalizing technical details. After years of failed negotiations and broken agreements, both sides finally appear ready to choose a different path forward.